No more tears

My first two children were so easy to feed, I assumed it was due to my superior parenting (and cooking) skills that they would gobble down whatever I put in front of them without too much nose wrinkling. And then I had my son who humbled me and turned me into one of those crazy parents who beg their child to eat anything.

So when I heard that Elizabeth Pantley, the author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution, was coming out with a book to help us parents with picky eaters, I had only one question: Will this work with a seven year old???

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In a word: Yes.The No-Cry Picky Eater Solution is a great book for those of us who have suffered many mealtimes with a “no-no-no” child, as well as those of you who just want to get your babes started on their right side of the plate once they begin eating solid foods.

First things first: This book is no miracle cure that holds the key to getting your child to gobble down kale and tofu at your next meal. The suggestions require us parents to make significant effort into realistically looking at what our kids eat every day and then trying to gradually incorporate new foods into their diet slowly.

And, you’ll have to practice what you preach, so no wine-and-chocolate-chip-cookie dinners. (Or, save it for after the kids go to bed).

The good news is that I felt a lot better about some of the things my son was eating already, and loved Pantley’s idea of serving those healthy favorites as often as possible to keep the “familiar” on his plate. She also has no problem with “Sneaky Chef” techniques and recommends it as a way to boost nutrition while also make noticeable changes (in fact, Sneaky Chef author Missy Chase Lapine provides the forward and some recipes in the book).

I also appreciate that many of her suggestions don’t require you to quit your job and become a full-time chef. In fact, she recommends we not spend too much time cooking so we don’t get so upset when an item we’ve slaved over is deemed “disgusting.”

Yes, the “no-cry” part of the title could apply to either my son or me at any given meal. Here’s hoping to many less tears and more eating. –Christina